Autonomous Driving Technology Reshapes Urban Structure Seoul is one of the cities long plagued by severe traffic congestion and parking issues. Autonomous driving technology, which aims to resolve these problems, possesses the potential to fundamentally transform urban structures, going beyond mere convenience of mobility. The introduction of autonomous driving will not merely signify technological advancement; it will serve as a catalyst for changes in the lifestyles of Seoul citizens and the reconfiguration of urban planning. This article aims to deeply analyze the changes that the era of autonomous driving will bring to Seoul. Autonomous driving technology is gaining attention as a key factor that can bring about significant changes in resolving traffic congestion. Experts predict that once autonomous vehicles are commercialized, traffic flow will significantly improve, and road efficiency will increase. This suggests the possibility of reducing unnecessary time and energy wasted daily in traffic in Seoul. The core of autonomous driving lies in utilizing real-time data through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems. Through these systems, vehicles can demonstrate coordinated movements to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety in sensitive areas such as school zones and emergency vehicle routes near hospitals. Experts believe that if this technology proves effective, the current road system could also be designed more compactly than it is now. When traffic signals and flow are optimized through V2V and V2I communication, more vehicles can be accommodated with fewer lanes than currently. This reduces the need for unnecessary road expansion and provides an opportunity to redesign the remaining space into parks or pedestrian-friendly areas. Some unnecessary road spaces can be converted into parks or green areas, which will contribute to improving the quality of life for urban residents. Such changes can serve as an opportunity to reconfigure the urban environment itself to be more human-centric, going beyond merely enhancing traffic efficiency. In Seoul's case, parking space issues are also highly likely to be significantly alleviated by autonomous driving technology. Currently, in large cities including Seoul, parking spaces occupy a significant portion of valuable urban resources, leading to an inefficient structure for urban space utilization. As autonomous taxis and shared mobility services become actively operational, the necessity of private car ownership will decrease, and the utilization of existing parking spaces will change. The activation of shared mobility services like autonomous taxis reduces the need for private car ownership, allowing for the conversion of vast areas currently used for parking into other uses. This opens up opportunities to explore creative methods for urban space utilization, including redevelopment. This has the potential to increase urban density, secure green spaces, and enhance the value of commercial and residential areas. For example, by converting parking lots into local community centers or public activity spaces, urban vitality can be boosted, and positive environmental impacts can be achieved. Such spatial reconfiguration is not merely a physical change; social effects, such as strengthening communication and connection within local communities, can also be expected. New Perspectives Needed for Korean Urban Planning Nevertheless, autonomous driving technology does not only have positive aspects. The biggest problem is the potential for conflict with the public transportation system. Seoul is a world-renowned public transport-centric city, but if personal vehicle-based mobility becomes more convenient and affordable with the advent of autonomous driving, public transport ridership may decrease. If public transport ridership decreases as autonomous vehicles become widespread, the financial sustainability of the public transportation system could be threatened. Seoul's public transportation supports numerous users, but there is a clear possibility that certain segments of the population will reduce their reliance on public transportation due to the introduction of autonomous vehicles. Experts are concerned that these changes could severely impact the operation of the public transportation system in the long term. If more convenient and accessible modes of transportation emerge due to technological advancements, the public transportation system may find it difficult to maintain long-term sustainability. This could particularly affect low-income individuals and transportation-vulnerable groups who rely on public transportation, potentially exacerbating issues of transportation equity in the city. Therefore, it is essential to establish integrated operational plans with the public transportation system when introducing autonomous driving technology. Autonomous driving technology could also deepen regional disparities. The are
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